Public students won't get voucher preference

Walker open to addressing issue

Public schools students will not get preference over those already in private school as they compete against one another for a limited number of taxpayer subsidized vouchers available this fall.

Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said that was not the Legislature's intent, and Walker is open to fixing the addressing the issue in the fall.

The law as written only gives preference to public school students if fewer than 500 students apply. If more than 500 apply as expected, the only preference given is for siblings of students already in the school.

Department of Public Instruction spokesman John Johnson said Wednesday no preference will be given to public school students if there are more than 500 applicants because that's what the law requires.

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